Seems like Friday...

I don't know what it is, but today reminds me of Friday. I just feel like I have been through a whole week already, and the weekend should be about to start. But, it is only Thursday. Maybe it is the 4-day work weeks I have had recently with holidays and all.

Seriously though, that is how it seems on this end. I asked one of my co-workers and she said it felt like Friday too. Well, I guess we can dream. Friday is almost here!

Just another day at the mine...

I have always wanted to go to the Crater of Diamonds State Park. I finally got my wish as our family and the Butlers made the trek there this past weekend.

Why have I always wanted to go? I probably have been under the delusion that diamonds were just sitting there for my picking. I am not saying I did not have fun, but it is a lot of work. There were many people there too...chasing their dreams of finding the big one.

We did not find any diamonds that day, but we did have fun! The kids got to play in the mud, as you can see in the picture. They also got to play in the small water park they have there.

In short, I may take one more trip there, dig a little, and find the big one!

Back from the Beach...

The beach has been a special place for our family. Since I have been married, we have went there every year except the year Hurricane Dennis came to town. We were scheduled to arrive the day Dennis hit shore. The result...Beach trip cancelled. That year was an active hurricane season. You might remember another hurricane hitting that same year - Katrina? Yeah, I thought so!

Before we left this year, there was a little anxiety due to the BP Oil situation in the Gulf. It seemed like we called the condominium every day checking the beach conditions. The truth be known, we love Destin so much that we decided we were going to go no matter what. And I am glad we did! We experienced great weather, the water was beautiful where we were, and we did not see once trace or sign of oil while we were there! We were blessed!

Oil was on our mind while we were there. I am not going to lie to you about that. But, it took a back seat to the fun we had while there. We went to "The Track" and rode Go-Karts. Lizzie Kate got to ride for the first time on the "Wild Woody." The "Wild Woody" is a wooden go-kart track. We love that one. The Harborwalk is an attraction we experienced for the first time. Every Thursday night they shoot fireworks over the Bay. As you can see the girls had fun with birds on that visit as well!














We are so glad we were not scared off by the oil scare. It will be a shame if this crisis ruins one of the places we love. You see so many people that feel the same way. They also have been going to Destin for years.

Now to get acclimated back to home life. What is the hardest thing for me? "What do you mean I can't wear flip-flops to work?!"

Proud Papa...

Like most parents I know, I am blessed to have great children. In my case, I am blessed to have two great girls! Both girls reached some achievements worth noting...

Lizzie-Kate got another hit. I was proud of that, but her big achievement of the night was that she scored her first run ever in T-ball! I witnessed her score from the first base coaching box. In the process, I had to keep the other runners running on the base paths. But, as I looked back toward the first base line, much to my amazement...Here came Lizzie-Kate again!!! After she scored she took off again toward first! That was so hilarious! I am proud of her!

Now, on to Morgan! For the second year in a row, Morgan received a reading award. I am amazed at the knowledge kids today have. I see the books Morgan brings home, and I know she loves to read. Why can't I have that same desire to read? When I do read, I enjoy it. But, taking the time to read is another matter! I pray that she keeps her desire to read and learn. Morgan I am proud of you!

I am proud of both my girls!

Birthday Wishes from the Back Seat...

As I was driving my two girls to school today, Morgan had a revelation. In another four days, it would be my birthday.

Lizzie Kate said, "I want to give you my heart Dad." Morgan said, "I want to buy you some clothes and a gift card. Do you have an Ipod?" Then they both started planning my birthday party and trying to figure out who would be on the guest list!

I am blessed to have two caring girls that love their Dad. I told them they were my birthday present.

Yes, I am blessed!

Procrastination...

I can say I have been busy...there is nothing to write about...But, we know that is not true, especially there is nothing to write about. We had two or three snow events, and my Mom came home from the hospital after a pneumonia scare. She was on a ventilator for quite a few days and the doctors did not give us much hope on her making it. But, the Lord and those who prayed for my Mom had other ideas. We have such a Great God!

I need to keep this Blog going. I guess I have just not been in the right frame of mind lately! Hopefully, I can get back in the swing of things!

"I know how God Heals you up."

Last night before Lizzie Kate said her prayers, she told me something interesting.

She said, "I know how God Heals you up." I said how is that? Her answer..."God touches you."


Luke 8:40-48